Controversial plans unveiled to build two new warehouses on land in Northampton which could create hundreds of jobs – locals slam them as ‘outrageous’ and ‘hideous’

Plans have been submitted to build two new industrial units on land at Swan Valley in Northampton.

Planning papers show the proposed development would be built on Plot 150, Swan Valley Way – a currently empty site within the Swan Valley Business Park.

The application, submitted on behalf of Aviva Life & Pensions (UK) Ltd, is seeking permission to construct two commercial buildings with office space, along with parking, service yards and landscaping.

According to the planning statement, the site covers around 6.5 hectares and is the last remaining undeveloped plot within the business park, which sits about 4.5 miles south-west of Northampton town centre .

The documents state the two units would have a combined floorspace of nearly 20,000 square metres, and would be designed to match the scale and appearance of existing warehouses in the area .

Plans also include more than 200 parking spaces, cycle parking, and electric vehicle charging points.

Access to the site would be via a new bridge over the Grand Union Canal, which already has planning permission and would link the development to the rest of the business park .

Planning papers say the scheme could create up to 324 jobs and bring economic benefits to the area, while continuing long-term investment in Swan Valley .

The documents add that the site has long been earmarked for employment use, with the wider business park first approved in the early 1990s .

Consultation carried out late last year included a public exhibition and feedback from residents, with concerns raised about traffic, noise and the impact on the landscape .

However, Hunsbury Meadows Parish Council has issued a strongly worded objection to the plans.

In a statement, the parish council said: “The Parish Council has just been advised that Aviva have submitted their planning application for Plot 150 – the land adjacent to Wootton Brook and the canal tow path.

“This is despite the current Local Plan proposal for half of that land to be designated community Green Space. The final decision on that has yet to be published and so we are most concerned that Aviva have submitted their planning application effectively ignoring that proposal and presumably hoping for planning approval before that decision.

“Objections to the planning application have to be with WNC by 8th May 2026. It goes without saying that we need as many residents as possible to submit objections.

“We would also note that there seems to be little change to the plans from those they proposed in their community consultation in December.

“We are not sure how they can proceed with getting any planning approval in the face of the Local Plan green space proposals but we do need to follow the planning process.

“Please can we urge residents to respond to this outrageous and hideous planning application.”

The planning application is currently under consideration by West Northamptonshire Council, with a target decision date of July 1.